Archives: Team

     Sophia was raised in Brooklyn and now calls Orlando home. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Seminole State College with a minor in English Language Arts and specializations in ESOL and Special Education.

     With a career spanning over a decade, Sophia has enriched the lives of students in both public and private educational settings. Her passion for education and holistic teaching approach extend beyond the classroom. At AOK, Sophia is committed to equipping Scholars with practical tools and life skills for their journey through higher education.

     When she’s not making a transformative impact in academics, Sophia cherishes time with her husband and three children. She also runs her own business. Whether working with students at AOK or clients in her business, Sophia thrives on elevating those around her to new heights of success and fulfillment.

     Juliet Gerstenfeld is on a mission to help folks practice proactive habits and persevere through the pain to prioritize their goals. She has a 20-year background in helping businesses and people excel through Systems Improvement, Transformational Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Business Development. Juliet is dedicated to helping scholars understand that financial literacy and “Failing Forward” are key to achieving their dream.

     Outside of work, Juliet cherishes quality time with her husband and their two wonderful children. As a woman of many talents, she also runs her own business and volunteers with multiple organizations, including her son’s HS soccer team (Go Big Red!), Scout Troop, and the local prisons. Juliet holds a BA in Psychology from West Chester University (Go Rams!) and an MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati (Go Bearcats!).

     Tresa is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in public service and education. She currently serves as the Supervisor of the AOK Scholars Program, leading initiatives to support former foster youth and individuals experiencing homelessness in accessing higher education.

     After graduating from Penn State, Tresa worked for the Pennsylvania Senate, honing her skills in crafting impactful legislation and serving constituents. Upon relocating to Florida, Tresa worked at a boarding school, gaining valuable experience fostering inclusivity within diverse communities. Her dedication to empowering others shines through at AOK, where she breaks down barriers and enhances educational opportunities for those in need.

     Outside of work, Tresa enjoys quality time with family and friends and can often be found relaxing by the lake with a good book or jet skiing.